How to develop your professional network in Montreal

Work plays a very important role in Montreal. According to the Institut de la Statistique du Québec, Quebec's metropolis harbours a little bit more than a million workers over 1.7 million residents and the unemployment rate is estimated to be around 6%. In that context, it might turn out to be profitable to work on your professional network. Montrealers make extensive use of their network as a means to find a job: this allows them to hear of a job posting even before any advertisement is published, for instance, and employers are very fond of recruiting their colleagues through word-of-mouth.

Scouring career fairs

To help you expand your professional network and to meet ambassadors from different industries, you can participate in various career fairs organised in Montreal throughout the year. The biggest events are held at the Palais des congrès. Let us touch upon some examples such as the L'évènement Carrières, in April, the Foire Nationale de l'Emploi, in October, the Salon ma carrière, Emploi et formation Professionnelle, in March or the Salon de l'Immigration, in May.

There are other more private events, sometimes targeted towards a specific occupation or a professional sector, that may be organised in some districts or in some of Montreal's universities. This is the case, for instance, at the Salon national de l'éducation de Montréal, organised at Place Bonaventure, or the Journée carrières en santé et services sociaux held at Montreal University.

You should not forget to come with business cards and copies of your curriculum vitae in order to leave them at the different stands which spike your interest. Most of these events are free of charge. In general, workshops are held to help in job hunting and conferences are also available.

Turning to organisations and professional associations

There might exist an organisation or a professional body gathering people engaged in the same occupation as you in Montreal. That is the case, for instance, for nurses, journalists, hairdressers, lawyers, performing Arts professionals and social workers. Often, these associations and professional bodies organise employment open days, networking receptions or workshops to help you blend in the labour market. These events are the ideal opportunity to meet your prospective colleagues, but also potential future employers. You can always scrape information about industries that are recruiting and how to adjust your CV to ensure you land an interview. More so, these associations and bodies are equipped to help you in case of a setback with an employer.

Participating in networking events

There is nothing better than getting involved in networking events to expand your circle of contacts and, why not, make THE professional connection that will rocket your career in Montreal. Numerous agencies offering assistance to newcomers and help with the job search organise such activities. Here are some websites to consult to find an event suitable for you:

The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Jeune chambre de commerce de Montréal
Réseautage Montréal
Eventbrite

Finding a mentor in Montreal

Tutoring is another great way to broaden your professional network in Montreal. It allows you to get in touch with someone employed in your field of business who can guide you and help you integrate. To find a mentor, you can turn to an agency helping newcomers or one providing assistance in job hunting. Typically, you will have to plan a limited number of meetings with your mentor. As the case may be, you may also be invited to shadow them at work or to attend professional events with them.

Mentorship does not necessarily allow you to land a job, but it allows you to be well informed about the practices going on in a particular professional field. Additionally, your mentor may allow you to consult their contact book, help you adjust your CV according to the demands of the job, help you practice job interviews to train you, etc.